SHANNON GARRETT

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

When she was five years old, Shannon announced to her family that she would be “the first woman President of the United States.”

While it seemed quaint all those decades ago – “everyone thought that surely a woman would reach the White House before I was old enough to run” – it remains a fact that no woman has ever been elected to the highest political office in America.

Years later, Shannon has become a leading political trainer, campaign strategist, and candidate coach. Her commitment to helping others – both women and men – embrace their political ambitions and plot their paths to office has brought her to communities throughout the United States, where she has trained thousands of individuals and worked alongside hundreds of candidates and elected officials. And her dedication to creating a more active and diverse democracy has led her to work with numerous organizations on a national level. Much of her 20-year career was spent in Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis, MN, before returning home to West Michigan in 2007.

Whether as candidates or voters, social service providers or social change agents, Shannon’s passion is partnering with underrepresented populations to help amplify their civic voices and build their political power. Through her work with nonpartisan groups, such as The White House Project and Alliance for Justice, Shannon has spearheaded and advised electoral and legislative efforts at the municipal, county, state, and national levels.

Shannon started SMG Strategies in 2011 to continue this work, with the goal of shaping a landscape that will lead to the first female President elected in her lifetime. Through SMG Strategies, she combines her political, legislative, and legal skills with deep on-the-ground experience. SMG Strategies’ trainings and coaching are known for breaking down fears about running for office and helping people to “own” their political ambitions. Shannon’s energetic style and her down-to-earth insight helps cut through unproductive political drama and focus on getting things done.

Shannon is a 1994 graduate of Alma College (Alma, MI), and a 2004 graduate of University of Minnesota Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. In 2009, she received the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Grand Rapids’ “Edison Award” for extraordinary leadership in nonprofit innovation. In 2010, she was the Michigan Second Congregational District’s “Precinct Delegate Honoree” for her personal leadership as a locally elected precinct delegate for her county political party. In 2011, Shannon received a mayoral appointment to the City of Holland’s Human Relations Commission.

Affiliations & Partnerships

Shannon Garrett is a co-founder and board member of VoteRunLead, which supports the aspirations of women who want to transform our country and democracy through their participation as leaders.